Daniele Sciolla - Spin of Synth [Elli Records - 2021]Math, music, and synthesis go hand in hand (and hand), so it's no surprise that science-based artists like Daniele Sciolla take to synthesizers for their creations. Spin of Synth sees Sciolla using his analog synths (found from his hauls travelling Europe) to utilize mathematics and timbre to show the interaction between each synthesizer's soul. Short but sweet, this latest EP is an interesting look at the inner workings of synthesizers and the mind of an artist. Opening up with "Poly," Spin of Syth starts out with a crispy, somewhat blippy, deconstructed dance hit. Deconstructed beyond recognition, but the tones used are uplifting and wonderfully choral. These elements leave the listener guessing at what's to come and give the psychoacoustic effect that the song is going to take directions that is has really no intentions of. "Jupiter" adds a little bit more on the structured side, with a bit of synthesized percussion pulling the dancing synth line forward. Not too far from some mid 2000's lo-fi electronica, this short number is a real standout, and the thickness of the synthesizer is perfectly emphasized by the low end and reverb. Following up, "Prophet" sees another synthesizer highlighted, feeling more similar in construction to "Poly." Almost like a digital pinball machine, this composition ambles wildly and unexpectedly. With some familiar tones placed in between the frantic fray, there are respites of safety for the listener to grab onto before being jolted back into the chaotic mix. If "Prophet" were a pinball machine, "CS" is straight out of a video game. Punctuated and bolstered by hits, this feels like the soundtrack to a high paced, platformer. Very familiar, but still somewhat alien, "CS" is an interesting mix of sounds and feelings. Rounding out the EP, "Arp" brings us back to a similar space as songs 1 and 3. WIth space on display, this is all about mathematics and construction, vs tonal quality. An interesting end to an interesting album.
While Spin of Synth may not appeal to all synth-heads, it's a very scientific and structured approach to chaos. An interesting mix of space, tones, structures and chaos, Spin of Synth is a scientist/artist's creation for sure Paul Casey
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